The Alexander technique is a form of alternative therapy that focuses on understanding your body's natural rhythms rather than moving and acting out of habit and everyday routine. A practitioner of the Alexander technique can help you to reduce tension, ease muscular pains, and manage stress.

With so many options available, how do you go about finding the right practitioner of the Alexander technique? There are actually some guidelines that can help separate serious experts from those who are not ready to share their knowledge. Here are some suggestions:

If you know somebody who has visited a practitioner of the Alexander technique, ask for a reference. How was their experience? Are they satisfied? A first-hand recommendation cannot be beat. If you don't know anybody who has tried the technique, ask your health care provider. More and more doctors are now accepting of alternative therapies, and many would be happy to refer you to a practitioner of the Alexander technique they know and trust. Your insurance provider is another option. While not all insurance companies cover alternative medicine, some may, and in that case, they would be able to provide you with the names and addresses of a practitioner of the Alexander technique in your area.

If that fails, inquire at the local health food store or herb shop. You can also check the free publications that are usually available at organic markets. Most of them list local practitioners in the area and can be a great resource.

Your next option to find a practitioner of the Alexander technique is the Internet. Web directories are a great resource, as are the websites of professional associations. Simply do a search for "registered practitioner of the Alexander technique" and you will come up with several databases listing experts in your area.

Once you have found several candidates, how do you choose the right one? First, ask for credentials. A certified practitioner of the Alexander technique should have completed a three-year training course. While other study options exist, make sure that the practitioner you choose has taken more than a weekend training course, and that he or she is knowledgeable about techniques and procedures.

Next, make sure the practitioner understands your needs and responds favorably to your worries. The Alexander technique requires you to relax to understand your body's natural rhythm; unless you're able to trust the specialist, the session may not work at all for you.